Stock imagery for your website – what to avoid
Published: September 2017
A guide to using stock imagery
A lot of us use stock imagery for our website (ourselves included) but let’s be honest – we would all rather have an image bank of our own photos to choose from. However, it can be difficult to let go of stock imagery entirely when you are in the business of providing services – rather than products. Or if you simply don’t have the budget for a photographer. Stock imagery can be a lifesaver when you desperately need an image for your website. But this is no excuse for using cheesy, generic photos.
There’s no shame in relying on stock imagery. However, there is when you choose terrible ones! Imagery of any kind makes a difference on your website. It provides a visual insight into the company you are, so it’s important to get it right. Let’s have a look through some of the worst offenders, and our tips on how to avoid giving customers serious cases of cringing and eye rolling!
Happy corporate types
You know which ones I mean.
You’ll usually find these stock image models huddled around a water cooler, looking very happy indeed, and often looking directly down the camera and straight at you. If you’re looking to represent a business person, why not try a more authentic stock image – with shadows instead of bright lights, eyes away from the camera and showing them actually doing some work. How about this as an alternative?
You don’t want it to look obvious that you’ve used a stock image. A candid-looking photo that doesn’t appear to have used any professional lighting won’t scream stock imagery. Photographs with the subject looking away from the camera are not only more comfortable to look at, they are also far less distracting – ensuring your customer focuses on your product and not your pictures.
If you are really struggling to find an image that says what you need it to. How about your smartphone might be able to help you capture a great picture!
Imagery that represents you…
At Newcastle web design agency Urban River, we want to ensure that you have a website that represents you. We can assist you with all aspects of web design to achieve the look you desire. So, if you feel your website could do with some help – from imagery to the CMS system. Please give us a call.
